The Saint Bernard belongs to the second group of this classification: the Pinscher and Schnauzer type Dogs – Molossoids and Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs. The dogs of this group are guard and defense dogs. They are physically powerful, muscular and deterrent. They also have a strong character. The Saint-Bernard belongs more precisely to category 2B, that devoted to Mountain-type Molossoids.

The Saint-Bernard is said to be descended from the Molossians of the Ancient era, who crossed the Alps accompanied by the Roman legions. More precisely, the Saint Bernard is known to be one of the direct descendants of the Tibetan Mastiff. From the 17th century, we find its origins in Switzerland, at the hospice of the great Saint-Bernard. This establishment founded in the Middle Ages is in fact the place where the monks trained the Saint-Bernard. It was also there that he built his reputation as a mountain rescuer. As an anecdote, Barry, born in 1800 and recognized as the most famous Saint Bernard, saved no less than forty people in ten years. At that time and until 1830, the Saint Bernard had short hair. It was then crossed with the Newfoundland and this is how the long-haired variety appeared, the most widespread variety. Before being called Saint-Bernard, he was first named Mountain Dog, Alpine Mastiff, Barry Dog. It was not until 1880 that the name Saint-Bernard was made official. A Swiss Club was founded in 1884 in Basel more precisely. Three years later, the standard for this breed was established in Bern.

The Saint Bernard is one of the giant breeds. The male measures at least 70 cm and the female at least 65 cm for a weight that can vary from 55 to 100 kg! Its appearance is heavy and powerful while remaining harmonious and imbued with majesty. The body of the Saint Bernard is impressive! Its neck is powerful, its withers well defined, its ribs arched, its back broad and its hindquarters well developed. His thighs are powerful and muscular. At the ends of its limbs, its feet are broad, straight, tight, firm and strongly arched. Dewclaws on the hind limbs are tolerated in this breed. Its tail is long, heavy, drooping and reaching the hock. Its head is powerful and imposing, its skull broad and slightly domed. It has a short muzzle and a wide nose. Its large dark brown to hazel eyes have a pigmented eyelid margin. Its ears, for their part, are of medium size, set high, triangular and drooping. The Saint Bernard's coat is white with more or less large patches, colored red-brown. The red-brown brindle is also accepted in its standard. Lead coals are sought. This coat is still marked with white on the chest, the nape of the neck, the feet, both ends of the tail as well as at the level of the list and to form a band on its muzzle. Its coat is divided into two varieties: a short, dense, smooth, well-coated and rough coat with an abundant undercoat and a long, straight coat with an abundant undercoat, forming breeches, fringes on the front and a bushy tail. The hair is always short on the face and ears of the animal.

The Saint Bernard is a relatively resistant dog. Its longevity is estimated at 10-12 years. However, it fears heat and is subject to some weaknesses. Their eyes should be monitored due to a predisposition to excessive tearing, the risk of entropion (turning of the eyelid outwards) but also ectropion (turning of the eyelid inwards). You will also need to pay attention to your bone health due to its strong and rapid growth. To do this, it is advisable to provide him with a balanced diet and provide him with sufficient exercise. As with the vast majority of large breeds, the Saint Bernard is predisposed to hip and elbow dysplasia. Certain cardiac pathologies are also observed in this breed. For its maintenance, vigorous daily brushing and cleaning of the often dripping lips are necessary.

The Saint Bernard is quiet strength incarnate. He is calm, gentle, friendly with everyone, sociable and entirely devoted to his masters. He is perfect in his relationships with his family! He loves the company of children for whom he is the ideal playmate. He is generally not aggressive, but if his family is threatened, he can intervene vigorously. He can also be wary of strangers because he is a dog that remains quite territorial. This also makes it a good watchdog. He will only be aggressive if circumstances force him to do so. His education should not be neglected but rather it should be carried out with firmness so as not to let this mountain walk on your head, however affectionate it may be! But rest assured, his education is easy because of his intelligence. He learns quickly and quickly understands what is expected of him. As you might expect, this is a dog that requires a lot of space and long daily outings.